The centrepiece of a new 17-hectare precinct in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Merdeka 118 tower is the latest addition to the Malaysian capital’s skyline. Located near Merdeka Stadium, where the nation declared independence in 1957, the tower represents a fusion of Malaysia’s past and aspirations for the future.
Reflecting on this, Malaysia’s King Al-Sultan Abdullah, during its inauguration, said the new landmark “symbolises the people celebrating the diversity of the country as an independent nation”.
1. It is the second-tallest building in the world
The Merdeka 118 tower is the world’s second-tallest building, surpassed only by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Topping the tower is a 160.7-metre antenna spire – equivalent to 40 storeys – bringing its total height to 678.9 metres.
2. It has an independence theme
Merdeka 118 combines merdeka, meaning “independence” in Malay, with the total number of floors in the tower. The development gets its name from the nearby Merdeka Stadium, where Malaysia’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj declared independence on 31 August 1957.
In line with the independence theme, the silhouette of the Merdeka 118 tower was designed to echo Tunku Abdul Rahman’s iconic pose when he announced the end of British rule in Malaya. The tower’s spire recalls the premier’s outstretched hand as he shouted “Merdeka!” seven times before a crowd of 20,000 at Merdeka Stadium.
3. Its design reflects Malaysia’s diversity
The tower’s diamond-shaped facade represents the diversity of Malaysia’s people and cultures.
This angular cladding consists of 18,144 panels, 114,000 square metres of glazing and 1,600 tonnes of window frame extrusions.
4. It hosts Southeast Asia’s highest observation deck
Located on Levels 115 to 116 Mezzanine, the View at 118 is the highest observation deck in Southeast Asia. Once fully operational, the two-storey deck will welcome up to 3,000 visitors a day, offering activities such as an edge walk – where visitors, secured by a harness, can walk outside the tower – and a spire climb.
5. It boasts the tallest glass elevator in the world
The observation deck will be serviced by a single high-speed elevator from the ground floor.
Attached to the side of the tower, this glass elevator allows some truly awe-inspiring views of the cityscape. Manufactured by Kone, the elevator can reach speeds of up to 10 metres per second, making the trip to the top in about a minute.
This story by Yow Hong Chieh was originally published on AirAsia. Zafigo republished this story in full with permission from the publisher, simply because good stories should be read by as many people as possible! If you have stories that will be of interest and useful to women travellers, especially in Asia, please get in touch with us at [email protected].
